LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Chronic Illness: Chronic Illnesses
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Chronic illness and its treatments can have a negative impact on sexual functioning. The mechanism of interference may be neurologic, vascular, endocrinologic, musculoskeletal, or psychologic. Patients may mistakenly perceive a medical prohibition to the resumption of sexual activity, or they may need advice on changes in sexual activity to allow satisfactory sexual functioning. Family physicians must be proactive in diagnosing and managing the alterations in sexual functioning that can occur with chronic illness. Patient education and reassurance are essential. Before sexual activity is resumed, patients with cardiovascular disease should be stratified according to risk.
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HopeLab is a non-profit organization that combines rigorous research with innovative solutions to improve the health and quality of life of young people with chronic illness. HopeLab works closely with young people to incorporate their critical and ongoing input into product development. HopeLab is committed to the rigorous study of its interventions to ensure that its products and approaches are effective. HopeLab's first product is Re-Mission, a video game for young people with cancer. In addition to cancer, HopeLab's areas of focus include obesity, sickle cell disease, autism and major depressive disorder. For more information, visit http://www.hopelab.org/.
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HopeLab, founded in 2001 by Pamela Omidyar, is a non-profit organization committed to combining rigorous research with innovative solutions to improve the health and quality of life of young people with chronic illness. HopeLab introduced its first product, the Re-Mission video game for adolescents and young adults with cancer, in 2006. Re-Mission was developed with the input of young people with cancer and was shown in a randomized, controlled research trial to improve key health outcomes among young people with cancer who played the game. HopeLab is now applying its customer-focused, research-based approach to develop new interventions for young people suffering from chronic illness. For more information, visit http://www.hopelab.org.
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As children and adolescents with chronic illnesses learn more about their illness and are encouraged to take responsibility for their management, they commonly attempt to make their own decisions about treatment. Trials of decreasing their medication or not taking it without consulting a physician often occur. While this behavior may be developmentally normal, it may create the need for additional healthcare intervention. Angry or self-conscious feelings related to having a chronic illness, or poor judgment in how to cope with feelings about their illness, might ... affect compliance with recommended treatment or management techniques. For example, adolescent diabetics are more likely to use poor judgment in making food choices when they are with their friends. It is important for parents and healthcare professionals to help the child and adolescent develop emotionally healthy ways of living with chronic illness and its management requirements.
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The sexual concerns of single, separated and divorced men and women with chronic illness are often disregarded. Sadly, it is assumed that, because of chronic illness or disfigurement, a discussion about sex is irrelevant because this person is “unlikely to form a relationship”. In reality, disabled people do become romantically involved. In addition, sexual activity does not require a partner. Doctors ... need to be sensitive to patients’ sexual orientation. As chronic illness affects both heterosexuals and homosexuals, talking about sex with a doctor may necessitate “coming out” as a gay man or lesbian.
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No one would choose to have a child with a chronic illness. However, living with a chronic illness can teach adults and children a lot about themselves and those around them. Adults and children can learn about their strengths and limitations, and they can learn new ways to solve problems and to be resilient. These are lessons that can serve them well for the rest of their lives.
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Chronic Illnesses